Brief Description: Describing the duties of the combined fund drive.

Sponsors: Senators Winsley, Fraser, Jacobsen and Haugen.

Hearing Date: 3/21/03

Staff: Katie Blinn (786-7114).

Background:

The Combined Fund Drive began in 1984 through an Executive Order by Governor John Spellman. It was reaffirmed in 2001 by Governor Gary Locke and a committee was established to conduct a single, annual, consolidated effort to collect charitable donations for distribution to agencies engaged in charitable and public health, welfare and social service purposes.

During the 2002 legislative session, the Legislature passed SB 6372, which provided statutory authority for the Combined Fund Drive. State employees may authorize to have donations deducted from their wages for the benefit of Combined Fund Drive participating agencies. The Washington State Combined Fund Drive account, in the custody of the State Treasurer, maintains the funds.

The Department of Personnel (DOP) has rulemaking authority to conduct the Combined Fund Drive. The Combined Fund Drive Committee (Committee), established in rule rather than statute, establishes standards and criteria for participating in the Combined Fund Drive. The Committee consists of 12 members appointed by the governor representing public employees' unions, the legislature, the judiciary, state agencies, higher education institutions, elected officials, retired public employees, and other groups recommended by the DOP. The Committee evaluates applications from agencies applying to participate in the fund drive, and distributes funds received through the annual campaign. The DOP provides administrative support for the operation of the committee.

Summary of Bill:

The Combined Fund Drive Committee may enter into contracts and partnerships with private institutions, persons, firms, and corporations for the benefit of the Combined Fund Drive beneficiaries. The powers and duties of the Combined Fund Drive include:

•    raising money for charity;

•    establishing criteria for private and public organizations to participate;

•    engaging in or encouraging fundraising activities, including the solicitation of charitable gifts, grants, and donations;

•    requesting the appointment of state employees to lead and manage workplace charitable giving campaigns;

•    engaging in educational activities related to the basic purpose of the campaign;

•    engaging in appropriate fundraising and advertising activities to support the administrative duties of the Combined Fund Drive; and

•    charging an administrative fee to beneficiaries to fund the administrative duties of the Combined Fund Drive.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.